Healthy ageing, walking and the outdoor environment in the North

The purpose of the research project is to find out how people aged 70 and older living in the north experience their outdoor space for action and movement in their neighbourhood. As well as what is perceived as hindering and enabling factors, especially in winter. The project is funded by the Nordic Council and the Kamprad Family Foundation

Through survey and focus group responses, we will gain valuable knowledge about the importance of neighbourhoods for healthy aging in urban and rural areas. Places directly outside the home, neighbourhood and hometown, ie the walkable places are particularly in focus. The form of the built environment plays a key role here as an enabler for getting around on foot and the freedom and quality of life it can provide. And to achieve overall national and international goals in sustainability, climate and public health.

The project is funded by the Nordic Council and is carried out in collaboration between Luleå University of Technology, Oulu University and the University of Iceland. This will create a larger analysis base covering northern Sweden, northern Finland and all of Iceland.

The Swedish part of the project is also funded by the Kamprad Family Foundation. It analyses barriers and enablers to walking among older people using a participatory perspective where the demands and needs of older people are in focus throughout the project. The project connects to the PhD project Design and Maintain Healthy Urban Design for Walking within PRECISE.

Luleå University of Technology is the organization responsible (research principal) for the Swedish part of the project. The project has been approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Dnr 2024-00714-01).

You are also welcome to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the study.

Publications

• Age-inclusive Arctic outdoor spaces: a policy review in four Nordic countries External link, opens in new window.
• Blog Post: Addressing the policy blind spots: Age-inclusive and age-equitable outdoor spaces in the Nordic Arctic region External link, opens in new window.

News

• Mid-term workshop in Copenhagen External link.
• Exploratory workshop for representatives of three UArctic Thematic Networks. External link.

• Members of TN in Arctic Health received funding to start a new project in healthy ageing theme. External link.
• The new project on healthy ageing and outdoor environment: Methodology workshop in Oulu. External link.